Last updated : December 23, 2024
There is no doubt that the use of alcohol and drugs play a significant part of decreased workplace safety and productivity in America. Companies should put as much effort into a drug free workplace as they put into creating profit and generating revenue. Lost hours, shoddy work habits, poor performance, and danger to co-workers are just a few examples of issues that arise when drugs or alcohol (beer or liquor) enter the workplace.
Studies show that almost three-fourths of drug and beer/liquor abusers are employed, costing employers roughly $7,000 per year from these issues. Drug use alone costs employers almost $100 billion per year in health care, accidents, worker’s compensation, and lost hours. Further, over half of on the job accidents are a result of substance abuse. Physical labor jobs constitute the bulk of these, as food and beverage industry workers, construction workers, and other laborers are most prone to this problem. As substance abuse can be higher is certain socioeconomic classes, lower income workers are potentially more susceptible to this problem, with little help often available.The most important attribute of drug testing in the workplace is the safety of people’s lives. Because the majority of substance abuse related accidents occur in physical occupations, severe injuries and even the loss of life should be the main reason companies opt to drug test. It is always better to find out about an employee’s abuse issues before they become a work hazard. Companies that make it known they have an effective drug-testing criteria for the workplace, instill productivity and calm in workers who have one less on the job issue to worry about. Further, the ability to isolate substance abuse cases and help an employee with treatment, means that worker might one day return to work with their issues under control and be productive again.
While many opponents of stricter drug testing in the workplace debate the issue of privacy, the overriding issue should be the safety of the majority of employees in the workplace. The concern of being temporary or permanently disabled from accidents caused by those using substances, coupled with the threat of emotional or behavioral problems in the workplace from these abusers, is a realistic issue for other employees. At the core, a company must provide a safe place for its employees who are there to earn an honest day’s work, provide for their families, and benefit the company and the U.S. economy as a whole. Ensuring that an office or factory environment is clean and free from such issues is the only way to operate a safe and productive business.
The last several years have been tough on the U.S. economy. This strain has been particularly rough for lower-income workers and families which typically make up the physical labor force. Because tough economic times often lead to a breakdown across the board in people’s lives, use of substances (legal or illegal) is on the rise. With this occurring, there will be an increase of workplace incidents and usage that employers must address to keep workers safe from potential threats or accidents. It is more important now than ever for companies to address drug and alcohol use at work, and implement a proper drug testing plan for the safety of all.
